Partners of the Americas - USAhttp://partners.net/country/usa
enEmpowering Mothers and Children in Haiti Through RANFOSEhttp://partners.net/blogs/empowering-mothers-and-children-haiti-through-ranfose
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Mariah Brown, Communications Intern</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p dir="ltr"><img alt="pasted image 0.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/pasted%20image%200.jpg" style="width:650px;height:300px;" /></p>
<p dir="ltr">At Partners of the Americas, we strive to empower and educate women to ensure healthy children, families, and communities. As we reflect on Mother’s Day 2019, we want to highlight how programs like <a href="http://partners.net/ranfose-ranf%C3%B2se-abitid-nitrisyon-pou-f%C3%A8-ogmante-sante">Ranfòse Abitid Nitrisyon </a><a href="http://partners.net/ranfose-ranf%C3%B2se-abitid-nitrisyon-pou-f%C3%A8-ogmante-sante">pou</a><a href="http://partners.net/ranfose-ranf%C3%B2se-abitid-nitrisyon-pou-f%C3%A8-ogmante-sante"> Fè Ogmante Santee</a> (RANFOSE) have empowered mothers to create healthier lives for them and their children.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Partners began implementing the USAID-funded RANFOSE alongside the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in 2017 to improve knowledge about the value of fortified foods and increase the consumption of these foods among the Haitian population. Fortified foods include vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and iodine in staple foods like wheat flour, vegetable oils, and salt. These nutrients can be found in fish, green leafy vegetables, eggs, and vegetable oil.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fortified foods are particularly important for children due to their formative year nutritional vulnerability and the importance of their childhood development. Deficiency impairs the mother-child relationship by causing an undue burden of stress on the mother and the family, as they often cannot afford the healthcare needed to alleviate symptoms. Undernourished mothers are at risk for extensive health problems that can be passed through genetic traits to their children, such as blindness, cognitive issues, muscular dystrophy, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). </p>
<p dir="ltr">Haiti currently has one of the highest rates of underweight children in Latin America and the Caribbean. Out of Haiti’s total population of 10.7 million, 50 percent are undernourished, according to <a href="https://www.usaid.gov/haiti/agriculture-and-food-security" style="text-decoration-line: none;">USAID</a>. About one in three Haitians live on less than $2 a day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Haiti is still recovering from tragedies like the disastrous earthquake in 2010, the cholera outbreak that followed shortly after in the same year, and the detrimental hurricane in 2016, leaving Haiti with limited resources while the need for supplies increases. These events have resulted in a chronically unstable political environment and fragile economy, making it difficult for <a href="https://www.usaid.gov/haiti/agriculture-and-food-security">mothers to support themselves</a> and their children financially and supply properly fortified foods, according to the Federation of American Scientists.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="unnamed (1).jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg" style="width:650px;height:300px;" /></p>
<p dir="ltr">In the face of adversity, mothers in Haiti persevere to fight for the future of themselves and their children. RANFOSE provides a vehicle for mothers with significant nutrition insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies to provide for them and their children by increasing the availability of high-quality fortified foods throughout the country. Under RANFOSE, about 7 – 8.5 million people have consumed fortified food.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This program aligns with the <em>Plan Stratégique de Nutrition </em>MSPP 2013-2018 of the Government of Haiti that focuses on the prevention of malnutrition. This is a part of the Haitian government’s effort to decrease micronutrient deficiencies, improve the national strategy for fortification, and implement better quality control for local or imported fortified food products.</p>
<p>We are proud to partners with USAID-Haiti, the Haitian government, and GAIN, in supporting these courageous mothers combatting economic vulnerability and significant nutrition insecurity. Partners has a long-standing tradition of uplifting mothers and their children around the world.</p>
<p>To learn more about the RANFOSE program and how Partners helps to support mothers in their efforts to provide quality nutrition to their children <a href="http://partners.net/ranfose-ranf%C3%B2se-abitid-nitrisyon-pou-f%C3%A8-ogmante-sante">click here</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/economic-development-health" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Economic Development &amp; Health</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/haiti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Haiti</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Thu, 16 May 2019 18:43:00 +0000admin1386 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/empowering-mothers-and-children-haiti-through-ranfose#commentsTeacher Exchange Shares Cultures and Education between Brazil and the U.S.http://partners.net/blogs/teacher-exchange-shares-cultures-and-education-between-brazil-and-us
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Jill Woerner, Partners Indiana-Brazil Chapter Member</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><address class="rtecenter"> </address>
<address class="rtecenter"><img alt="ch1.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/ch1.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /><span style="font-size:12px;">Arrival day at the Indianapolis International Airport on January 31, 2019.</span></address>
<div>
<p>In March 2017, an Indiana Chapter member traveled to our partner country, Brazil, to share intercultural learning experiences with other teachers in Rio Grande do Sul. While there, her host and a friend of Partners of the Americas, Roberta Pegoraro, asked if I could host her and her two children in Indiana that following January to spend a month learning about the American education system. My home was perfectly suited for their arrival, so I quickly agreed.</p>
<p>Pegoraro and I cooked together, shopped together, and spent many evenings talking after dinner. During one of those chats, a teacher-to-teacher exchange was born that has changed the lives of over a dozen educators. </p>
</div>
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="ch4.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/ch4.jpg" style="width:650px;height:260px;" /><span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Our teachers enjoyed a stop at a "teacher store."</em></span></p>
<p>One year after that conversation, on January 31, 2019, nine Brazilian teachers came to Indiana to learn alongside Hoosier (Indiana native) teachers. They put their faith in us, Indiana educators who teach a variety of different content areas, and we did not disappoint. We met the teachers at the airport and whisked them off for their two-week adventure. </p>
<p>Throughout their two weeks in Indiana, these lovely Brazilian educators attended a Pacers game, went shopping, enjoyed new restaurants, and spent quality time with the friends, family, and colleagues of the Hoosier host teachers. </p>
<div>Some of my favorite experiences:</div>
<div class="rteindent1"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;">•</strong><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre;"> </span>They bought school supplies and educational resources to bring back to their classrooms in Brazil. </div>
<div class="rteindent1"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;">•</strong><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre;"> </span>They presented to Hoosier students about Brazilian culture, including geography, music, food, dance, clothing, traditions and more. </div>
<div class="rteindent1"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;">•</strong><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre;"> </span>They asked questions and engaged in deep discussions with their Hoosier hosts to further develop their teaching practices. </div>
<div class="rteindent1"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;">•</strong><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre;"> </span>They cooked with their hosts and taught them about Brazilian culture.</div>
<div class="rtecenter"> </div>
<address class="rtecenter"><img alt="ch5.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/ch5.jpg" style="width:650px;height:260px;" /><span style="font-size:12px;">Elizabeth Dennie (IN) hosting Karen Vieira and Cássia Ribiero at Speedway High School. </span></address>
<p>Even more impressive, the Brazilian teachers engaged in discussions with students about poverty, school structures, the environment, social behaviors, technology, and career readiness. Administrators observed and were impressed by these great discussions. Students noticed, listened and inquired. This experience was a win for all involved. </p>
<p>On June 9, 2019, 13 Indiana teachers will travel to Rio Grande do Sul to participate in the second half of this experience. The bonds formed among the teacher pairs during this experience have become unbreakable. The teachers’ lives have forever been changed in a positive way and this summer’s experience will be even more influential. Their students will continue to reflect on the conversations that they had with their visiting teachers. </p>
<p>Though this year’s exchange has reached capacity, there is still an opportunity to participate in the 2020 exchange. If you want to join us and learn from other motivated and adventurous teachers in the Southern hemisphere, please complete the following <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/BFjl338MEwedK0693">Google form</a> and/or send me an <a href="mailto:JWInterculturalEd@outlook.com">e-mail</a>. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/education-and-culture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Education and Culture</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/language" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Language</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/brazil" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Brazil</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Mon, 06 May 2019 16:35:00 +0000admin1374 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/teacher-exchange-shares-cultures-and-education-between-brazil-and-us#commentsPartners Staff Celebrates Earth Dayhttp://partners.net/blogs/partners-staff-celebrates-earth-day
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Mariah Brown, Communications Intern</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p dir="ltr"><img alt="IMG_6082_1.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/IMG_6082_1.jpg" style="width:650px;height:300px;" /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Partners of the Americas Washington, D.C. staff <a href="https://twitter.com/PartnersAmerica/status/1120439553104465920" target="_blank">celebrated Earth Day</a> on April 22 by discussing and learning how to incorporate eco-friendly habits into our everyday lives. Senior Program Officer Summar Lyons presented ideas of how staff can reduce our carbon footprint at home, in the office, and in our communities.</p>
<p>Partners staff brought waste-free or plastic-free lunches and wore green in support of the day. In her presentation, Lyons explained that climate change is a global reality. Top environmental concerns include soil and land pollution, littering and landfills, and water pollution. So how can we help? “Though it’s very cliche, a change starts with us,” Lyons said.</p>
<p>At work, Lyons suggested reducing the use of single-use plastic items such as plastic utensils and cups; eating food wrapped in paper, paper products, or foil; and turning computer monitors off when leaving the office for the day. Printing less paper and using recyclable cups and straws when going out to eat lunch are also good habits to practice. These actions can make a significant impact because about <a href="https://www.earthday.org/2018/04/18/fact-sheet-how-much-disposable-plastic-we-use/" target="_blank">16 billion disposable</a> coffee cups are used each year and over 500 billion plastic straws are used every day around the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="IMG_6051_2.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/IMG_6051_2.jpg" style="width:650px;height:300px;" /></p>
<p dir="ltr">At home, Lyons recommended using the 4 R’s — reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurpose — as a guide for making eco-friendly decisions. Purchasing reusable and biodegradable bags as an alternative and using economically sustainable personal hygiene products such as bamboo toothbrushes, silk floss, and organic feminine hygiene products greatly reduce the amount of waste we produce. During the presentation, the staff answered quiz questions about Earth Day to learn which materials are recyclable and, if answered correctly, win some of these sustainable products.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lyons also shared innovative ways to reuse and repurpose materials, including making unique crafts and decorations for your home. Other simple eco-friendly changes are composting, becoming vegetarian or vegan, conserving water, and contacting your congress member to support more environmentally-conscious legislation.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="IMG_6052_2.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/IMG_6052_2.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 300px;" /></p>
<p>Historically, Partners has strived to solve climate challenges by <a href="http://partners.net/climate-and-energy">teaming up technical experts</a> in climate and energy with local stakeholders throughout Latin America to encourage shared decision making and greater access to resources and information. With our <a href="http://partners.net/farmer-farmer">Farmer-to-Farmer</a> Program, we focus on sustainable environmental development while providing hands-on training for small-holder farmers to better the Earth. </p>
<p>This Earth Day, Partners staff learned how to improve the environment not only through our programs, but also with simple changes by our staff. By staying informed, participating in volunteer opportunities with organizations like Partners, and actively using the 4 R’s, we can help save the Earth. </p>
<p>For more information about Partners of the Americas and our global impact, subscribe to <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=wjdfrg5ab&amp;p=oi&amp;m=1131943202102&amp;sit=beqgk7anb&amp;f=75d69781-167f-4759-9c07-bcbd4077bc9b">our newsletter here</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/climate-and-energy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Climate and Energy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Mon, 22 Apr 2019 20:45:00 +0000admin1377 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/partners-staff-celebrates-earth-day#commentsBest Practices: Virginia - Santa Catarina, Brazil Chapterhttp://partners.net/blogs/best-practices-virginia-santa-catarina-brazil-chapter
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Patricia and Dewey Brown, Virginia-Santa Catarina, Brazil Chapter Members</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><address> </address>
<address><img alt="img-8049_orig_0.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/img-8049_orig_0.jpg" style="width:650px;height:280px;" /><span style="font-size:12px;">Patricia and Dewey Brown with Partners President and CEO John McPhail at the Virginia-Santa Catarina 50th Anniversary Celebration</span></address>
<h4>The Virginia - Santa Catarina, Brazil Chapter's Best Practices:</h4>
<div><em>Adhere to By-Laws and Regulations:</em></div>
<ol><li>Update the By-Laws in accordance with the Washington, D.C. Office.</li>
<li>Establish a biennial plan between partners on a regular basis. </li>
<li>Maintain compliance with state regulations and federal tax practices. For example, we comply with 650.Ic3 and State Corporation Communications.</li>
</ol><div><em>Communicate Well Both Internally and Externally:</em></div>
<ol><li>Internally:
<ul><li>a. Hold quarterly meetings using technology to encourage participation at a distance.</li>
<li>b. Maintain constant contact with partners leaders, whether weekly or monthly.</li>
<li>c. Create administrative manuals.</li>
<li>d. Regularly communicate with our international offices and maintain regular communications with the staff in Washington, D.C. or the International Board Members.</li>
<li>e. Create administrative manuals.</li>
</ul></li>
<li>Externally:
<ul><li>a. Celebrate special events, such as celebrating 50 years of our partnership.</li>
<li>b. Produce an annual report on the status of our projects and activities and share this with the Partners Network.</li>
<li>c. Maintain a website and ensure it is up to date. </li>
<li>​d. Update the list of board members and general members on a regular basis and provide this list to all members.</li>
</ul></li>
</ol><p><em>Fundraise Effectively:</em></p>
<ol><li>Develop quarterly financial reports for members.</li>
<li>Conduct fundraising events to support programs and projects.</li>
<li>Write grants to support special initiatives. </li>
</ol><p><em>Focus on Strategic Planning:</em></p>
<ol><li>Appoint the Executive Director of the Chapter for the Chapter's overall leadership and to support its continued success.</li>
<li>Think ahead at least one year out about projects to be implemented. This allows chapters to apply for State Department grants in a timely manner.</li>
<li>On a regular basis, conduct strategic planning on priority programs and directions.</li>
</ol><p><em>Retain Members and Volunteers: </em></p>
<ol><li>Ensure that all of the volunteers are ethical.</li>
<li>Keep members by getting as many involved in leadership processes as possible. Engagement is very important for hosting, planning, etc.</li>
<li>​Develop marketing tools to use in recruitment and other activities.</li>
<li>Recognize our volunteer contributions every year as an appreciation for their service, reception, and other forms of recognition.</li>
</ol><p class="rtecenter">~ ~ ~</p>
<p>About the Virginia Chapter: We are Virginians partnered with the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina with a desire to build community between the people and institutions of our two states. Our Partnership has been active since 1967. Currently, we have twelve committees, with diverse projects in the arts, education, natural resources, tourism, and health. ​</p>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/capacity/entrepreneurship-development" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entrepreneurship Development</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/language" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Language</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/brazil" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Brazil</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Tue, 16 Apr 2019 17:36:00 +0000admin1375 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/best-practices-virginia-santa-catarina-brazil-chapter#commentsLeveraging the Unique Skills of U.S. Exchange Alumnihttp://partners.net/blogs/leveraging-unique-skills-us-exchange-alumni
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Leorah B. McGinnis, Career Connections Seminar Participant</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="0 (3).jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/0%20%283%29.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 243px;" /></p>
<p>I recently had the privilege of attending the inaugural <a href="http://partners.net/career-connections-seminars-us-exchange-alumni">Career Connections Seminar</a> for U.S. exchange alumni. The Seminar provided career development workshops to leverage the unique skills that alumni of U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange programs developed abroad. Partners of the Americas and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. State Department (ECA) created and hosted the Seminar from February 21-22 in Raleigh, North Carolina.<br />
<br />
As a U.S. exchange alumna, I found the Seminar highly rewarding. In 2014, I participated in the US Congress Korean National Assembly Exchange Program though Meridian International Center and the US Department of State. Ten young citizen diplomats from the United States and ten from South Korea spent time exploring each other’s country’s and creating meaningful relationships. Now, I’m looking to make the most of my skills to create a meaningful career.<br />
<br />
All of the participants were in a similar boat – many actively searching for jobs and satisfying next steps in their career, which was comforting. We met many helpful speakers, guides and new friends. There were a lot of other successful alumni there with us to give us hope for a fulfilling future.<br />
<br />
The first Career Connections Seminar was designed to be a regionally-focused event, with the first event targeting states in the Southeast. Living in Colorado, I am not from anywhere near North Carolina. I would have chosen to attend the next event, taking place in Denver, Colorado, but I will be out of the country at that time. I therefore applied and begged shamelessly to attend this inaugural event instead. I am very glad that I did.</p>
<p> <img alt="53521616_10157297448308678_2649289356073762816_o (1)_0.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/53521616_10157297448308678_2649289356073762816_o%20%281%29_0.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 243px;" /></p>
<p>The Career Connections Seminar officially started with Assistant Secretary of State at ECA, Marie Royce, who delivered the Welcome Remarks and discussed how to find career opportunities. Throughout the two days, I participated in a one-on-one resume workshop and heard presentations on everything from resume and cover letter crafting for different sectors, to the best way to do an informational interview and make it count. <br />
<br />
One of my favorite opportunities was attending a panel that included the North Carolina Secretary of State and members of the Coalition for Global Competitiveness, some of whom joined us for a networking mixer later that evening. There were several awe-inspiring women on the panel who talked about the winding roads of their careers and candidly revealed some of the most unexpectedly influential turning points in their lives. I appreciated hearing one woman in power talk about how her divorce impacted her career and what it meant for her. It is good to be reminded that even those who have ascended the ladder of success are still mortals who share many of the same challenges as those of us just fighting to get started. It gave me another treasured moment of "Yes, we (women) can."<br />
<br />
I also enjoyed meeting several Foreign Service Officers (FSO). One of the FSOs told us at the mixer about her experience in the Peace Corps, meeting her husband there, and how they manage the challenges of constant movement associated with this life. Our last speaker of the event was the <a href="http://careers.state.gov/connect/dir/">Diplomat in Residence</a> for the Mid-Atlantic Region and she gave one of the most helpful overviews of the service I have ever received, answering questions I did not even know I had. It reignited the spark of determination I’ve harbored for that career goal for many years.<br />
<br />
<img alt="53442008_10157297442868678_1987436038221463552_o (1)_0.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/53442008_10157297442868678_1987436038221463552_o%20%281%29_0.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /><br />
<br />
Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity and I encourage all eligible U.S. exchange alumni to apply. I vacillated the entire two days between feeling supported and motivated and basking in the knowledge that we were all in the same place, and feeling a little bit overwhelmed. It is a lot to take in, and it honestly does not always feel great to be trying to push forward in an uncertain career when you do not totally know where you are going or why but you do know you are competing against a lot of other gifted people to get there. Yet I would hazard to say that attending this event was a good first step in figuring it out.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/capacity/entrepreneurship-development" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entrepreneurship Development</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 15:46:00 +0000admin1349 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/leveraging-unique-skills-us-exchange-alumni#commentsInternational Women's Day 2019http://partners.net/blogs/international-womens-day-2019
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Mariah Brown, Communications Intern</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="Banner 2.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/TW%20Womens%20day%202.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 325px;" /></p>
<p>March 8, 2019</p>
<p>
Today, Partners of the Americas celebrates International Women's Day. This year's theme is #BalanceforBetter, which calls for gender equity around the world, including in workplaces, governments, and in the media. We would like to highlight the many ways in which our programs, projects, and members strive to better the world by empowering women to change their communities. </p>
<ul><li><strong>Child Protection Unit: </strong>Creating Women-Led Businesses</li>
</ul><p class="rteindent1">Through our <a href="http://partners.net/educafuturo" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">EducaFuturo</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;"> and </span><a href="http://partners.net/paraguay-okakuaa" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Paraguay Okakuaa</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;"> projects, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), we provide entrepreneurship training and seed capital to women to launch their own businesses in Ecuador, Panama, and Paraguay. By doing so, we eliminate the need for their children to seek work, allowing them to focus on their education.</span></p>
<ul><li><strong>Economic Development and Health Unit: </strong>Empowering Rural Women<strong>​</strong></li>
</ul><p class="rteindent1"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;">The USAID-funded </span><a href="http://partners.net/farmer-farmer" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F)</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;"> program, implemented by Partners of the Americas,</span> provides economic opportunities to women farmers and their rural communities. F2F trains women entrepreneurs and heads of households to increase food security in their communities. </p>
<ul><li><strong>Education and Global Citizenship Unit: </strong>Empowering Young Women to Study Abroad</li>
</ul><p class="rteindent1">Our <a href="http://100kstrongamericas.org">100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund</a> actively promotes study abroad programs to students, especially underserved populations like women. Through the Fund, higher education institutions receive grants to lower the cost of studying abroad, allowing women from underprivileged communities to participate in educational exchanges. </p>
<ul><li><strong>Membership: </strong>Supporting Women to Change Their Communities </li>
</ul><p class="rteindent1"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-size-adjust: auto;">Partners members organize and implement a vast array of projects and activities throughout the year to support vulnerable populations, including women. Women lead many of our chapters and excel at serving their local communities.</span></p>
<p class="rteindent1"> </p>
<p>Across the Western hemisphere, Partners volunteers and staff continue to work together and better their communities to create a gender-balanced world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Join us in our fight and <a href="http://poa.informz.net/poa/profile.asp?fid=3935" target="_blank">sign up for our Newsletter</a>!</em></p>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/combating-child-labor" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Combating Child Labor</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/economic-development-health" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Economic Development &amp; Health</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/education-and-culture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Education and Culture</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/capacity/entrepreneurship-development" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Entrepreneurship Development</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/higher-education" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Higher Education</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/youth-leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Youth Leadership</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/argentina" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Argentina</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/bolivia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bolivia</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/brazil" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Brazil</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/chile" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Chile</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/colombia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Colombia</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/costa-rica" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Costa Rica</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/dominican-republic" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dominican Republic</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/haiti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Haiti</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/mexico" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mexico</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/panama" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Panama</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/paraguay" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Paraguay</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/peru" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Peru</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/uruguay" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Uruguay</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Fri, 08 Mar 2019 16:06:00 +0000admin1348 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/international-womens-day-2019#commentsReturned Peace Corps Volunteer Lays Groundwork for Picture Change Program in the Dominican Republichttp://partners.net/blogs/returned-peace-corps-volunteer-lays-groundwork-picture-change-program-dominican-republic
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Gary Linn, Jessica Edwards, and Waldo Brea, Tennessee Chapter Members</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>When Partners' Tennessee Chapter Member Jessica Edwards was finishing her Peace Corps Service in the Dominican Republic, she, like most Peace Corps Volunteers, wondered what difference she made in the lives of local people with whom she worked.</p>
<p>Edwards served two years as the manager of a literacy program in the small, rural community of Bani. She pondered how the many Dominicans who improved their literacy in her program pictured the positive changes that had resulted in their own lives and communities.</p>
<p>Recently, Edwards found a way to answer this second question through an innovative program, <a href="http://www.picture-change.org/">Picture Change</a>, founded by Kate Gazaway. Picture Change partners with community-based organizations to teach photography skills to local residents, coordinate community-wide photo shoots documenting individual and community progress, and showcase the photography in local gallery exhibits. They entrust cameras to local leaders, improve writing skills, and create media pages that are used to share individual and community achievements with the world.</p>
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="DR 2.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/DR%202.jpg" style="font-style: italic; width: 650px; height: 243px;" /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:11px;">Jessica Edwards, Tennessee Partners member, with Richard Carmona of Global Institute of Advanced Studies</span></span></p>
<p>To find a community-based organization in the Dominican Republic that would be interested in partnering with Picture Change, the Tennessee Partners Chapter turned to Waldo Brea, President of the Instituto de Juventudes in Santo Domingo, which is affiliated with Partners of the Americas. Edwards traveled to the Dominican Republic in October to work with Brea in identifying a good match for the program that currently has Picture Change projects in Nicaragua, Uganda, Montenegro, India, and the U.S.</p>
<p>During her visit, Edwards and Brea interviewed leaders and gathered information from five non-profit and governmental organizations. The first organizational meeting was with Servicio Para La Paz (Service for Peace). This nonprofit focuses on poverty reduction in the Dominican Republic through community engagement and mobilization to address their own needs and priorities. Currently, in the Dominican Republic, much of the work by Servicio Para La Paz is focused on rural communities in San Cristobal Province. Picture Change could help them build marketable and employable skills for young adults.</p>
<p>The second visit was made to Instituto Global de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Sociales (Global Institute of Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences). This research and policy organization provides community organizations and municipalities with guidance so that they can make sound choices with regard to their investments in economic and social programs. They are connected with many rural and urban communities that could potentially benefit from Picture Change.</p>
<div>A third visit was made to the Asociación Dominicana de Exportadores, Inc. (The Dominican Association of Exporters). The Association is a nonprofit that focuses on economic development within communities in the Dominican Republic through private-public partnerships in the field of exportation. Francia Hernandez, a financial officer in the organization, was enthusiastic about the project. She agreed that finding ways to engage the private sector in Picture Change through funding and job placement at the end of the cycle would be beneficial both for workers and businesses alike.</div>
<div> </div>
<address class="rtecenter"><img alt="DR 6.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/DR%206.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /><span style="font-size:11px;">Ministry of Women supported offices of Center for the Promotion of Integral Health of Adolescents</span></address>
<div> </div>
<div>The final meetings were with government-sponsored programs providing support and education for adolescents and battered and abused women. The Centro de Promoción de Salud Integral de Adolescentes (Center for the Promotion of Integral Health of Adolescents) offers education on sexual health for adolescents and teens. Program manager, Dr. Marin Perez, explained that the program teaches courses on topics such as self-esteem, sexual development, and sexually transmitted diseases. Youth volunteer guides play an integral role in the program.</div>
<div> </div>
<address class="rtecenter"><img alt="DR 7.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/DR%207.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /><span style="font-size:11px;">Youth volunteer leads discussion of changing gender roles.</span></address>
<p>Dr. Perez agreed with Edwards and Brea that this project could partner with Picture Change and enhance its program for Dominican youth in the capital and elsewhere. </p>
<address class="rtecenter"><img alt="DR 4.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/DR%204.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 243px;" /><span style="font-size:11px;">Diagram showing programs of the Center for Survivors of Physical Violence</span></address>
<p>This prevention education program for adolescents and teens was complemented by the services offered to battered and abused women by the Centro de Atención a Sobrevivientes de Violencia (Center for Attention to Survivors of Violence). The organization works together with the courts in Santo Domingo in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault. The organization provides holistic assistance to women victims/survivors including but not limited to legal support, clinical therapy, and workforce development.</p>
<p class="rtecenter"> <img alt="DR 3.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/DR%203.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /><span style="font-size:11px;">Examples of Art Therapy for Survivors of Physical Violence</span></p>
<p>Solange Alvarado, who directs the Center, saw Picture Change as a likely partner because it potentially could help them reflect on the coping and healing process that was an important part of their recovery from the trauma of sexual assault and/or physical violence.</p>
<p class="rtecenter"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:18px;">~ ~ ~</span></span></p>
<p>As a follow-up to Edwards visit to the Dominican Republic, the Tennessee Chapter is working with Waldo Brea and other Dominican colleagues to locate a good match for a partnership that would involve a long-term relationship with Picture Change. This will involve one or more community visits and interviews with local leaders regarding their interest in participation.</p>
<p>Further, there is an ongoing search for funding to purchase cameras and underwrite training. All of this should be completed in 2019 with a start-up of the Dominican Picture Change Program in 2020.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/dominican-republic" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dominican Republic</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Wed, 20 Feb 2019 18:21:00 +0000admin1345 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/returned-peace-corps-volunteer-lays-groundwork-picture-change-program-dominican-republic#commentsUn Paso Pequeño http://partners.net/blogs/un-paso-pequeno
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Kristin Odegaard, Washington-Chile Chapter Member</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="2_6.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/2_6.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /></p>
<p>One small step. It sounds like such a simple action, but it can have a profound impact on many, including myself.</p>
<p>I arrived in Santiago, Chile at midnight on December 18, 2018 after traveling over 19 hours, yet I did not feel tired. I was greeted by the smiling faces of Chilean Partners Members Elena Torres Seguel (President), Raul Becerra, and his wife, Maria Lucia.</p>
<p>After a short night's sleep, I was up and ready to visit my first school, La Unión Escuela Latinoamericana. The school is located in the Comuna Estación Central, one of Santiago’s most economically-challenged areas.</p>
<p><img alt="3_8.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/3_8.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /></p>
<p>The population of the school is composed of over 800 students with 70% of the population consisting of immigrants. I met with two groups of 35 students in the seventh and eighth grade. I engaged the students in some community building activities using Organic World Language (OWL) teaching strategies. Next, the students shared their experiences of bullying at school. We then brainstormed some techniques to break the cycle of bullying and concluded with writing positive attributes on each other's paper plates.</p>
<p><img alt="7_0.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/7_0.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /></p>
<p>After meeting with the students, I had a workshop with the teachers and staff of the school to share ideas and follow-up activities to do with the students. I also delivered anti-bullying books for the students and teachers, which were donated by the Lake Stevens Rotary. I had the opportunity to present my workshop at ten different schools for students, teachers, school staff, and parents. </p>
<p><img alt="4_13.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/4_13.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /></p>
<p>As the trip came to an end, I participated in a panel focused on cyberbullying. The panel consisted of a lawyer, two psychologists, the parents of a young woman who committed suicide because of cyberbullying, and myself. The experience was powerful and life-changing. </p>
<p><img alt="6_1.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/6_1.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /></p>
<p>In the span of two weeks, I spoke to over 700 children, teachers, school staff, and families. The message that I came away with is that we all play an important role in the lives of children. I took one small step to help better children's lives. Together, we are many. If we all take one small step, we have the possibility to create great changes for children. Who is willing to take one small step with me?</p>
<p><img alt="5_0.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/5_0.jpg" style="width:650px;height:243px;" /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/education-and-culture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Education and Culture</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/chile" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Chile</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Wed, 20 Feb 2019 18:00:00 +0000admin1344 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/un-paso-pequeno#commentsA Message from Our President & CEOhttp://partners.net/blogs/message-our-president-ceo
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="john_message_1.jpg" src="/sites/default/files/images/john_message_1.jpg" style="width:650px;height:309px;" /></p>
<p>Dear Friends,</p>
<p>I wish you all a wonderful 2019. This past year we were able to accomplish so much through your support:</p>
<p class="rteindent1"><strong>•</strong><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Multiple chapters celebrated 50 years of partnership and we now have over 100 chapters improving their communities and individuals.</p>
<p class="rteindent1"><strong>•</strong><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We strengthened and built new partnerships at the 2018 Higher Education Partnership Conference in Cartagena, Colombia, with over 200 participants from 8 countries and 103 higher education institutions. At What Works 2018, 115 change-agents gathered in San Antonio, Texas, from 27 Chapters and eight countries to power greater connectivity across the Partners network.</p>
<p class="rteindent1"><strong>•</strong><span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Our Economic Development and Health Team won the USAID-funded 5-year $11.25 million <a href="http://partners.net/farmer-farmer" target="_blank">Farmer-to-Farmer program</a>, which will field 665 volunteers.</p>
<p class="rteindent1"><strong>•</strong><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our Education and Global Citizenship Unit launched five <a href="http://www.100kstrongamericas.org" target="_blank">100,000 Strong in the Americas</a> Innovation Fund grant competitions with over $1.5 million in grant funding awarded to 132 higher education institutions.</p>
<p class="rteindent1"><strong>•</strong><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our Child Protection Unit won <a href="https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ilab/ilab20181219" target="_blank">$7.4 million in funding</a> from the U.S. Department of Labor to continue their work in the eradication of child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking in Latin America.</p>
<p>These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and motivation of our volunteers and members.</p>
<p>Thanks to your efforts, the Partners of the Americas staff launched a five year <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/gqurlepnn8srmlp/POAStrategicPlanningDecember2018ForNL.pptx?dl=0" target="_blank">Strategic Plan for 2019-2023</a> to strengthen our vision and core values. At What Works 2018, participants gave their feedback on how to foster innovation and creativity. Partners staff and Board Members will meet in the Spring to further develop the road map to support our mission and goals. This is a living document and we welcome any feedback on how we can go from good to great.</p>
<p>We are excited to keep this momentum going into 2019.</p>
<p>I hope you will join me in making this the best year yet for Partners.</p>
<p><img alt="John%20signature%201_0.png" src="/sites/default/files/images/John%2520signature%25201_0.png" style="width: 575px; height: 109px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/economic-development-health" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Economic Development &amp; Health</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/climate-and-energy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Climate and Energy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/combating-child-labor" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Combating Child Labor</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/education-and-culture" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Education and Culture</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/higher-education" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Higher Education</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/language" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Language</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/nafsa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NAFSA</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/argentina" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Argentina</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/bolivia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bolivia</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/brazil" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Brazil</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/chile" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Chile</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/colombia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Colombia</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/costa-rica" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Costa Rica</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/cuba" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cuba</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/dominican-republic" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dominican Republic</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/ecuador" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ecuador</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/el-salvador" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">El Salvador</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/guatemala" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Guatemala</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/guyana" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Guyana</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/haiti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Haiti</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/honduras" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Honduras</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/mexico" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mexico</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/nicaragua" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Nicaragua</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/panama" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Panama</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/paraguay" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Paraguay</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/peru" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Peru</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/uruguay" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Uruguay</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/venezuela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Venezuela</a></div></div></div>Tue, 29 Jan 2019 18:47:00 +0000admin1338 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/message-our-president-ceo#commentsBringing Books to Boliviahttp://partners.net/blogs/bringing-books-bolivia
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">By Virginia Freedman, North Carolina Chapter</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="5.png" src="/sites/default/files/images/5.png" style="width: 650px; height: 243px;" /></p>
<p>When the North Carolina Chapter of Partners of the Americas received a donation of 400 children’s books in Spanish, they were left with one question: “What could we do with all of these books?”</p>
<p>The donation from the Appalachian State University’s library department launched an influential project led by the NC Chapter. In July 2018, after receiving a <a href="https://members.partners.net/general/custom.asp?page=GrantApplicationLAND" target="_blank">Pixote Literacy Fund grant</a>, the NC Chapter traveled to Bolivia with four full suitcases of books to teach literacy workshops at <a href="https://www.achcaiccbolivia.com/" target="_blank">Centro De Apoyo Integral Carcelario y Communitario (CAICC)</a> and Biblioteca Thurchapitas, the only children’s library in Bolivia.</p>
<p>While the NC Chapter has transported 10-15 books at a time to Biblioteca Thurchapitas, CAICC, and a children's hospital in the past, it has never donated hundreds of books at once. </p>
<p><img alt="2_2.png" src="/sites/default/files/images/2_2.png" style="width: 650px; height: 243px;" /></p>
<p>Biblioteca Thurchapitas, the only public library serving children specifically in Cochabamba in a city with hundreds of thousands of people, is crucial to improving the literacy of Bolivians. Most reading is done on Kindles due to the dearth of physical books. The library has now collected more than 5,000 books. Many teachers who work at the library check out the books and will pass out satchels of them out to households in remote villages near Cochabamba or will deliver them to children who pass them at bus stops. </p>
<p>This library is the lifelong work of the Bolivian writer Gaby Vallejo and former teachers in Bolivia. It forms part of the network created by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization that holds international congresses to promote children’s literacy and reading development. In Cochabamba, Biblioteca Thurchapitas provides an afterschool program in which the kids go out in public plazas and ask adults if they can read their favorite books to them. </p>
<p>With the support of the Cochabamba Chapter, Bolivia Chapter, and Partners’ Pixote Literacy Fund Grant, NC Partners was able to transport all of the donated books, including Spanish language classics such as <em>El Sancocho del Sabado</em>, to Bolivia. Reading <em>Where the Wild Things Are</em> by Maurice Sendak left the children in wonder. </p>
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<p>The books were first used in writing workshops and then distributed to rural households and local schools, including the CAICC. The CAICC, which translates to the Center for Comprehensive Community Prison Care, is a non-profit institution that provides schooling for children who live in female prisons. In Bolivia, there is no social service infrastructure to house these children and the government only pays for their meals. CAICC provides a daytime respite for the children who have to live in jails. </p>
<p>Like many things in Bolivia, CAICC is fully volunteer-run and school supplies are by donations only. The children are appreciative of the attention — they receive food, learn life skills like housekeeping, and have access to comprehensive medical care. CAICC continues to run their program through donations and if you are interested in donating or learning more, please <a href="https://www.achcaiccbolivia.com/donate" target="_blank">visit their website</a>. </p>
<p>The trip culminated with an official presentation of the books and a reading from the children, organized by Cochabamba Chapter President, Daniela Balderrama Rocha. The children from Biblioteca Thurchapitas brought their favorite books to the event, which was held at the local language school in Cochabamba — Centro Boliviano Americano.</p>
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<p>The children were excited to be invited to the presentation and share their favorite books with audience members. One student even volunteered to tell the story of Christopher Columbus in Spanish and Quechua. </p>
<p>To share their appreciation, a teacher and a student wrote and read a thank you note for the books. The note said, in Spanish, “Dear Tia, I was so excited you came today and liked the books. Thank you very much. Here is a flower for you. Please don't forget us. Love, Carlos.”</p>
<p>Finally, as the recipient of the Pixote Literacy Fund Grant, I was presented an award and given the opportunity to chronicle the inspirational story behind getting the books to Bolivia.</p>
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<p>Update: The remaining funds for the Pixote Grant will be used by Partners Campus Cochabamba to work with children who have been or are seriously ill or injured and have been abandoned by their parents. The children have been discharged from the hospital and now live in the "Casa de los Ninos." The property supplies free apartments for poor people in exchange for taking care of one or two of the abandoned children. The Casa has a small library on the second floor of the clinic for the children to read. The Partners Campus volunteers visit at least once a week and organize games, tutor kids, and work in the on-site clinic.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/language" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Language</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-country field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Country:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/country/bolivia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bolivia</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/country/usa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">USA</a></div></div></div>Fri, 25 Jan 2019 21:03:00 +0000admin1333 at http://partners.nethttp://partners.net/blogs/bringing-books-bolivia#comments